Photo by © J.Crew x Rouje
Packing for a summer trip to Paris? This is the guide you need. When you’re heading out for a morning croissant run, spending the afternoon walking through galleries, and then staying out for dinner and drinks, you’ll want outfits that feel just as good at 10 a.m. as they do at 10 p.m.
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French women are known for getting a lot of mileage out of a small wardrobe. Their summer style is relaxed, pulled-together, and never overthought. The magic is in choosing clothes that work in many situations and knowing how to make small changes that shift an outfit from casual to nighttime-ready.
Here’s how to pack and dress the French way this summer, no matter what your day in Paris brings.
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Build Your Looks Around Reliable Pieces
Instead of trying to pack something new for each part of the day, start with clothes that can handle it all. A midi dress in cotton or linen, a pair of lightweight trousers, or a breezy blouse and comfortable jeans can carry you through nearly anything.
Stick to simple shapes in breathable fabrics. A button-up shirt or a silky tank top can just as easily go to lunch as they can to a late dinner if you change what you wear them with.
Always Bring a Layer
Summer in Paris often means sunshine, but the weather can sometimes take an unexpected turn. You’ll be glad to have a light layer in your bag. A denim jacket, loose button-down shirt, cropped cardigan, or oversized blazer gives your outfit some structure and helps with shifting weather.
You can wear it loosely over your shoulders in the afternoon, then put it on properly when the clouds come out or the sun dips behind the buildings.
Choose Shoes That Last All Day
Walking is a big part of life in Paris. Your shoes need to feel good on the pavement without looking too sporty. Flat sandals with thin leather straps, low espadrilles, or ballet flats are all great daytime choices.
At night, switch to a pair of chunky heeled sandals or low boots that you’ve already broken in. French women rarely wear shoes that are too high or uncomfortable – they’d rather walk confidently than wobble.
Stick to two or three pairs for your trip that work with all your outfits. Keep things neutral with colors like tan and black, and pack one pair in a pop of color to turn heads.
Let Accessories Change the Mood
Accessories are the quickest way to shift your look. Swap a straw tote for a small shoulder bag or add a gold bracelet and a scarf tied around your neck or hair. In the morning, sunglasses and a casual bag keep things simple. Later on, add a clutch or a pair of earrings to make the outfit feel more nighttime-ready.
French women tend to keep accessories minimal during the day, then bring in small changes after dark that feel natural, not forced.
Bring Dresses That Can Do Both
A shirt dress, a wrap dress, or a simple slip dress can work just as well for sitting in a park as it can for going out to a wine bar. The key here is comfort.
Look for dresses that aren’t too tight or fussy. The idea is to feel comfortable and look ready for whatever comes up, not like you spent hours getting ready. We love the dresses from this new collaboration collection between J.Crew and French brand Rouje!
Keep Your Colors Simple
Parisians tend to stay away from loud prints and bright colors. That doesn’t mean everything is black, but they stick to softer tones and easy-to-match shades. Beige, white, navy, and earthy tones make it easy to put outfits together quickly.
That said, adding one strong color like a red top or a patterned scarf can make your outfit more interesting without overdoing it.
Let Your Makeup Feel Natural
The key to French summer dressing isn’t dressing up – it’s getting the details right without trying too hard. French women often go with minimal makeup in the day, just a bit of mascara or blush. At night, they might add a red lip or a swipe of eyeliner to change the mood.
What matters more than anything is that you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. Confidence and ease are more noticeable than any outfit.
Choose Fewer Pieces, Wear Them More Ways
There’s no need to pack ten different outfits. The French approach is about doing more with less. A few good pieces you enjoy wearing – mixed, matched, and layered – will make your trip much smoother and your suitcase much lighter (making space to bring back all your shopping hauls!).
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